If Im not mistaken the new 2003 Corolla S is much faster then the protege. Gets better gas mileage but looks like a loaf of bread.

 

What do you mean by faster? Quicker acceleration? Power feels about the same. In fact, published HP is the same. The Protege 2.0 engine has more torque. Mind you though that the Toyota engine is a 1.8 liter engine with variable valve timing, so it's torque curve is quite nice.

I have to admit that the Toyota engine is smoother and more refined, but the Mazda engine feels more punchy. It's a stupid analogy, but if the Corolla S is a hi-tech Porsche, the Protege is a raw Ferrari.

In terms of handling, although its curb weight is lighter, Corolla S feels significantly heavier and unresponsive than the Protege. Braking feels just as unresponsive as its handling. Please note that Corolla S is nimble enough for everyday driving, but it's not sporty. It's almost sporty. Meanwhile, the Protege's suspension feels quite sporty. You point it and it goes there. Nice!

 

I think we should make something clear for the uninitiated folks on this list... The 85 Corolla GT-S is NOT comparable to a Protege, or just about anything else ever sold in this country by Toyota. It is a lightweight RWD sports coupe, NOT an economy sedan.

For bizarre reasons that cannot be explained by medical science, Toyota decided to call every new small car released in the U.S. during the early 80's a "Corolla", despite the fact that the different versions of the "Corolla" were completely different cars. Consequently, in 1987, Toyota was selling "Corollas" based on 4 completely different chassis! (For the record, these versions were the "regular" FWD 4-door sedan, the SR5/GT-S RWD sports coupe, the FX16 FWD hatchback which shared nothing with the sedan, and the AWD wagon.)

The 85 GT-S is based on the "AE86" chassis, and is the same car that was known in Japan as the Trueno Sprinter. These cars are known for their exceptional handling and have a cult following in Japan, where they are known as the "Hachi-roku." FWIW, a Corolla GT-S just collected the SCCA Solo II national championship in FSP by one of the largest time margins at this year's event.

 

Simply put, if you want a harsh ride but a bit nicer car (in terms of handling), get the pro. If you favor a comfortable (or should I say numb?) ride but an ugly car, get the coro. Your decision.

 

Well, ugly or not, it a very subjective measure as most have agreed.
Our Protege5 sure look nice in a Sporty sense. However, the 2003 Corolla do have a little bit of Lexas type style of look in there. It certain doesn't look cheap in my humble opinion. It's really a matter of taste.

 

Hahaha.

 

I think no matter what car you buy as long as you take care of it.
it will last a long time.. I know people with toyota that became lemons quick...

 

if you really want to consider the corolla it would have to be corolla S, thats the thing that even comes close to the P5 or protege.

110 is the top speed displayed on the speedometer in the corolla
140 on proteges

vvti thing is slightly cool compared to our low tech 2.0l

asians reffer to the corolla as a "house wife car used for buying groceries".... just a little something to bear in mind...

proteges have this cool forum... dunno if corollas have theirs....

corollas have more colors though.... corollas have more dealers so u'll probably find a better deal...

chicks probably dig the p5 more than corollas

 

I suggest you save your pennies for a little while longer and then get a P5. It is so much better looking than both of the cars you are talking about, comes with a bigger engine, better rims, and is fully loaded. In the end you are only going to spend about an extra $4000 CDN for it...well worth it.

 

I just bought my pro a week ago, and i couldn't be happier with it (unless it was a 5 speed.) judging by the fact that you took the trouble to seek out an 'enthusiast' board to give you input on what to buy, I'm assuming you enjoy driving. seeing as how the civic, corolla, and protege are all around the same price range, here's all you need to know:

civic = ricey and common.

corolla = boring grocery-getter.

protege = the driver's compact sedan. my roommate calls it the 'dart.'

 

BMW 5 series handling well while having a comfortable ride shouldn't be surprising given it's hefty price tag compared to the Protege. I'm sure Mazda can make a car comparable to the 5 series at that price point.

 

the corolla is only faster by something like0.4seconds to 0-6omph.
whoopeeedoo

corolla is just a comuter car while the protege is a good looking sporty handling car.
just go and read car and driver reviews, they appreciate great handling fun to drive cars.

and who the hell says the the corolla is louder then the protege?
i drove both and they're about the same...

corolla is a boring looking car.